MUPS.... danger on the path
09-27-15 | 11:46 AM
#51
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 24
Likes: 0
From: Austin, Texas
Bikes: Cube Agree GTC Pro, Surly Crosscheck, Canfield Brothers EPO Carbon Hardtail 29er
I used to enjoy my local MUP on weekends (which is officially a "hike and bike" trail) until I came upon a woman and her off-leash dogs. She had headphones on, so I approached from behind at near-walking pace, and of course one of her dogs ran across my path and I barely managed to get my foot out of the pedal and did the awkward low side squat--not quite falling down. She was genuinely apologetic and said she hadn't heard me coming. I bit my lip as I reckoned she had learned her lesson. The MUP is great during commuting hours though, since it's practically just us friendly cyclists.
09-27-15 | 04:18 PM
#52
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 176
Likes: 0
From: New York City
As a new cyclist I don't really speak from a lot of experience but my wife and I bought bikes this spring and started riding... a lot.... At first we would load the bikes up on a trunk rack and go to a MUP that looked good in a guide book for bike trails in Michigan. The first few MUP rides were fun but after that I found riding MUP's to be a frustrating and often times dangerous experience. At our initial speed of less than 10mph things worked out o.k but when trying to ride at any speed above that it got dicey. We put bells on the bikes but often times ringing the bell would only alarm a pedestrian and they would often move LEFT instead of right? Skateboarders, baby carriages, wandering pedestrians, children on bikes with training wheels, e-bikes etc. etc. all made the experience a little un-nerving. Lately we've been staying on roads and have far less conflict and can ride faster and put on more miles. The book we read about Michigan's bike paths should be re-named and warnings should be given regarding who can and does use these paths. It's a free for all and not all that bike friendly for anyone doing more than a very casual site seeing ride at less than 10mph. Perhaps the MUP's should be wider with a separate lane just for bikes? The title of this post is a little extreme and in general I think the MUP's are a good idea as they get people outside and moving instead of driving a car but I have learned quickly that riding a MUP isn't a stress free experience and can be outright dangerous.
Maybe someone can suggest a place to ride in New York I guess I need to find a group around me.
09-28-15 | 03:06 AM
#53
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 245
Likes: 0
Most of the local MUPs are pretty decent for getting around, but you really have to be prepared to slow down and pay close attention. I try to assume that children and joggers are going to step out in front of me and I'll generally delay a pass until I can get safely and clearly around. Now it does depend on the time of day - I commute via one and it's fine in the morning. There are a number of other cycling commuters, but I can generally maintain a decent pace pretty safely. Things slow down in the afternoon, and on a sunny Saturday or Sunday it's going to be very slow going!
09-28-15 | 03:13 AM
#54
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 217
Likes: 20
From: tennessee
Bikes: '13 Trek Madone 5.2 '14 Giant Thrive - (wife's)
I was on a MUP following a female cyclist about 45' behind. She approached three rather oblivious individuals, one in the center of the three was walking a large dog. They were on the right side of the path, dog straining at the end of the retractable leash on the left side of the path. There is about 2' or less of path left to the left of the dog. Both the female rider in front and I move to the left side of the path and slow down to pass the dog walkers. As she nears the pedestrians, she rings her bell and calls out "on your left". The woman holding the leash begins gathering the dog in and is visibly put off by having to do so.
Normally I wouldn't do this, but sensing an opportunity to make a point; I gathered some courage and stupidity, dialed up 400 watts, and droped the hamor toward the edge of the path. Sure enough, as soon as the first cyclist was past them, Fido was released to the end of his restraint again. What happens next went something like this.
1. Fido gets to the end of his leash about 18" from the left edge of the path.
2. I loudly recite "on your left"
3. Woman holding the leash screams " OH-expletive deleted!" and begins frantically wrapping the retractable leash around her upper arm to bring the
dog back across the path more quickly.
4. I coast past at the aimed-for edge, with the rear hub making a soothing honey-bee buzz tone, and a big grin on my face.
Some days can be fun on the MUP.
Normally I wouldn't do this, but sensing an opportunity to make a point; I gathered some courage and stupidity, dialed up 400 watts, and droped the hamor toward the edge of the path. Sure enough, as soon as the first cyclist was past them, Fido was released to the end of his restraint again. What happens next went something like this.
1. Fido gets to the end of his leash about 18" from the left edge of the path.
2. I loudly recite "on your left"
3. Woman holding the leash screams " OH-expletive deleted!" and begins frantically wrapping the retractable leash around her upper arm to bring the
dog back across the path more quickly.
4. I coast past at the aimed-for edge, with the rear hub making a soothing honey-bee buzz tone, and a big grin on my face.
Some days can be fun on the MUP.
Last edited by wedgeSG; 09-28-15 at 03:19 AM. Reason: word swap
